A wave of resignations by political appointees has hit the administration of Monday Okpebholo in Edo State, as officials step down to pursue elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
The resignations followed a circular dated February 28, 2026, issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, directing all political appointees and civil servants intending to contest elections to resign with immediate effect. The circular was made public on March 2, 2026.
Among those who have formally resigned are:
- Dr Washington Osifo, Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, aiming for the Orhionmwon/Uhumwonde Federal Constituency seat currently held by Chief Billy Osawaru.
- Dr Lucky Eseigbe, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, contesting the Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency.
- Bar Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, APC State Publicity Secretary and Special Adviser on Political Party Affairs, seeking reelection as party Publicity Secretary during the March 3, 2026, State Congress.
- Pius Alile, Deputy Chief of Staff to the State Deputy Governor, contesting the Egor/Ikpoba Khai Federal Constituency.
In their resignation letters addressed to the SSG, the appointees cited compliance with the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, which requires holders of executive positions, including political appointees, to resign before contesting elections.
Washington Osifo explained that he resigned to pursue his ambition to represent Orhionmwon/Uhumwonde in the House of Representatives. Similarly, Pius Alile stepped down to contest for Egor/Ikpoba Khai, a seat currently held by Hon Omoruyi Murphy Osaro, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress.
Dr Lucky Eseigbe and Bar Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie also confirmed their resignations in compliance with the Act while outlining their political aspirations.
The mass resignations reflect the proactive steps by Edo State political office holders to align with the Electoral Act 2026 and signal an intense contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration is now adjusting to these departures while preparing for the political transitions expected across the state.
